Card Shooter Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A card shooter apparatus comprises a card shooter unit including a card housing for containing a plurality of cards and a card reading unit. The card reading unit has a card guide unit which guides cards pulled out one by one from the card shooter unit and reads at least the number of the card pulled out from the card shooter. A control unit determines the result of a card game based on information about the numbers of the cards sequentially read by the card reading unit. A display unit indicates the result determined by the control unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/884,021,filed Aug. 9, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. Application Ser. No. 11/884,021 is a U.S. National StageApplication under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No.PCT/JP2005/003789, filed Mar. 4, 2005, and claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2004-079519, filed Mar. 19, 2004, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a card shooter apparatus that is usedsuitably for a card game in which playing cards (trump cards;hereinafter simply referred to as cards) are to be used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, a card reader that is used suitably for a card game in acasino, etc. is suggested. For example, PCT Japanese Translation PatentPublication No. 10-508236 (Page 12, FIG. 1) discloses a card readerequipped with a card shooter. In the apparatus of this literature, a CCDimage sensor and related optical system components are built in the cardshooter. Further, an outlet of the card shooter is provided with a cardreading window. Also, when a card passes through the shooter outlet, thecard is read through the reading window.

However, in the conventional apparatus, reading precision is restrictedby the CCD image sensor and related optical system components. Thereading precision is desired to improve as much as possible. This pointis also important in reducing the influence on a game progress caused bygeneration of a read error.

Further, in the conventional apparatus, in order to secure readingcapability, the speed of a card when a card is pulled out of the cardshooter needs to be comparatively low, for example, the maximum speed isabout 1 m/s. On the other hand, even if the card speed is larger, a cardneeds to be read accurately. This point is also important in the gameprogress of a casino, etc.

The invention has been made in view of the above problems. It istherefore an object of the invention to provide a card reader that iscapable of utilizing an existing card shooter, is high in readingprecision, and is high in the threshold value of the card speed at thetime of reading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a card shooter apparatuscomprising: shooter apparatus comprising: a card shooter unit includinga card housing which contains a plurality of cards and an opening out ofwhich the cards are able to be slid and taken; a card reading unit whichis provided with a card guide unit which guides cards pulled out one byone from the opening onto the game table and reads the number of thecard pulled out from the card shooter; a control unit having aprocessing function to determine win or lose of the card game based oninformation about the number of the cards sequentially read by the cardreading unit; and a display unit which indicates a result determined bythe control unit; wherein the card shooter unit, the card reading unitand the control unit are integrated and are able to be set on the gametable.

Another aspect of the present invention is a card shooter apparatuscomprising: comprising: a card shooter unit including a card housingwhich contains a plurality of cards and an opening out of which thecards are able to be slid and taken; a card reading unit which isprovided with a card guide unit which guides cards pulled out one by onefrom the opening by hand onto the game table and reads the number of thecard pulled out from the card shooter; wherein the card shooter unit andthe card reading unit are integrated and are able to be set on the gametable; and the card shooter apparatus further comprising a measurementvalidity determining sensor which makes a reading result by the cardreading unit invalid when the card slips back by hand, the card beingslid and taken from the card shooter unit.

As described hereafter, other aspects of the invention exist. Thus, thissummary of the invention is intended to provide a few aspects of theinvention and is not intended to limit the scope of the inventiondescribed and claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a card reader ofthe present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a platform along with a game table and a cardshooter.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the platform and the card shooter.

FIG. 4 is a plan view in a state where a sensor cover is detached.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the platform.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a sensor arrangement.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the back surface of the platform.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration including acontrol box.

FIG. 9 is a view showing sensor output according to situations.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of the output waves of sensors.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the card reader when anormal mode is set.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the card reader when aspecial mode is set.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a card.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a configuration in which the card reader andthe card shooter are integrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings do notlimit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined bythe appended claims.

A card reader includes: a platform that is set on a game table and has acard shooter mounted thereon; a card guide unit that is provided in theplatform to guide cards, which are pulled out one by one from the cardshooter, onto the game table; and black light sensors that are providedin the card guide unit to read an ultraviolet-ray reaction codeincluding the number of a card from the card.

According to this card reader, the platform is provided between the gametable and the card shooter, and the platform is provided with a cardreading function. Thus, reading of a card is enabled while the existingcard shooter is utilized. Moreover, since the black light sensors areused, reading precision is high, and the threshold value of the cardspeed at the time of reading can also be set to a large value, forexample, about 3.6 m/s. Also, the reading result of a card is suitablyhelpful to prevention of an illegal act.

Preferably, the card guide unit has a card guide surface, card guiderails are provided at edges of the card guide surface, a card passagegap is formed between the card guide surface and the card guide rails,and the black light sensors are provided so as to read a card from thecard guide surface within the card passage gap. Accordingly, theinfluence of outside light in a card reading part can be reduced, andreading precision can be improved.

Preferably, the card reader further includes a win/lose determiningmeans that determines the win or lose of a card game on the basis of thenumbers of the cards that are sequentially read by the black lightsensors, and an output means that outputs a game result determined bythe win/lose determining means. Accordingly, the progress of a game canbe supported, and an illegal act can be prevented.

Preferably, the card reader further includes an invalid mode settingmeans that sets a first card invalid mode that invalidates a card thatis first pulled out in each game. Accordingly, even when a rule thatinvalidates a first card is adopted, the card reader can perform gameresult determination processing adapted to a card game, and can smoothlyprocess a card game.

Preferably, the card reader further includes first and second carddetecting sensors that are arranged along a guiding direction of thecard guide unit to detect the existence or non-existence of a card, anda measurement validity/invalidity determining means that determineswhether or not a card has normally passed along the card guide unit, onthe basis of detection signals of the first and second card detectingsensors.

Preferably, the measurement validity/invalidity determining meansvalidates reading of a card when the first card detecting sensor and thesecond card detecting sensor detect the card in order, and then thefirst card detecting sensor and the second card detecting sensor stopdetecting the card in order.

Preferably, the measurement validity/invalidity determining meansinvalidates reading of a card when the first card detecting sensor andthe second card detecting sensor detect the card in order, and then thesecond card detecting sensor and the first card detecting sensor stopdetecting the card in order. Accordingly, when a card slips back, it ispossible to suitably cope with this.

Preferably, in the card reader, the sensitivity of the second carddetecting sensor is set so as to detect a card for game and so as not todetect a cut card. Accordingly, when a cut card is used, the card readercan suitably cope with this.

Further, in the card reader, the black light sensors are adapted todetect code elements including a given number from a card which the codeelements are arrayed in a card pulling direction as an ultraviolet-rayreaction code, and to output a detection signal. Also, the card readerincludes a number specifying means, and the number specifying meansspecifies a card associated with the numbers of the code elements on thebasis of the detection signals of the black light sensors. The codeelements are typically marks printed with ultraviolet-ray reaction ink.

The numbers of the code elements are associated with at least the numberof a card. The numbers of the code elements may be associated with thetype (spade, heart, etc.) of a card, in addition to the number of thecard. The numbers of the code elements may be associated with otherinformation.

Further, the ultraviolet-ray reaction code may have plural rows of thecode elements. A card may be specified by a combination of the numbersof the plural rows of code elements. In this case, a card is specifiedfrom the plural rows of code elements including given numbers.Accordingly, even in this case, the code elements including givennumbers are read. Also, the number specifying unit specifies the numberof a card associated with the numbers of the code elements.

Since the black light sensors are provided, the code elements isdetected by the black light sensors, and a card is specified from thenumbers of the code elements, the card can be detected with highprecision.

A card shooter apparatus has a card reading function to read the numberof a card. This card shooter apparatus includes black light sensors thatread an ultraviolet-ray reaction code including the number of each ofcards that are pulled one by one from a card shooter, from the card. Inthis aspect, the card shooter and the card reader may be providedseparately or integrally. Even in this aspect, an advantage that readingprecision can be improved is obtained, and an advantage that thethreshold value of the card speed at the time of reading is raised isobtained.

The card shooter apparatus may further include a housing, a card shooterunit that is provided in the housing, and a card guide unit that isprovided in the housing to guide cards pulled out one by one from thecard shooter unit onto a game table. Here, the black light sensors areprovided in the housing. The black light sensors may be provided in thehousing. The housing may include a processing unit that processes theread data of the black light sensors, and a display unit that displays aprocessing result of the processing unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a card reader 10 of the present embodiment. The card reader10 includes a platform 12, a control box 14 is connected to the platform12, and a monitor 16, and a win/lose display box 18 are connected to thecontrol box 14. The control box 14 is a computer apparatus that controlsthe whole apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 2, the platform 12 is set on a game table 20, and acard shooter 22 (card shoe) is mounted on the platform 12.

The card shooter 22 may be a general type of existing shooter. The cardshooter 22 includes a card housing 24, and a fore leg 26 and a hind leg27 under the card housing. A floor 28 and a front wall 30 of the cardhousing 24 incline as shown. Within the card housing 24, a deck of cardsis forward pushed against the front wall 30 by a card push member 32with a roller. The front wall 30, as shown in FIG. 3, has a U-shapedopening 34 in a lower part. A dealer slides the cards to take them outof the opening 34.

In addition, black cloth 36 (omitted in the other drawings) is hung onthe front wall 30 so as to block the opening 34. Further, though notshown, a cover is attached to an upper part of the card housing 24. Thecard shooter 22 is black as a whole, and is made of resin.

Next, the configuration of the platform 12 will be described. Theplatform 12 is black and is made of resin, similarly to the card shooter22. The platform 12 has a thin box shape as a whole. The platform 12 hasa table mounting surface 40 at the bottom thereof, and a shooter settingsurface 42 at the top thereof, and both the surfaces are flat.

The shooter setting surface 42 is provided with shooter positioningblocks 44 and 46. The card shooter 22 is put on the shooter settingsurface 42 so that the fore leg 26 and the hind leg 27 of the cardshooter 22 may contact the shooter positioning blocks 44 and 46, andthereby, the card shooter 22 is positioned with respect to the platform12.

Further, shooter hold-down blocks 48 are attached to a front end of theshooter setting surface 42. The shooter hold-down blocks 48 holds downthe front end of the card shooter 22 from upside, and thereby, the cardshooter 22 is held on the platform 12.

The platform 12 has a card guide unit 50 in a front part thereof. Thecard guide unit 50 guides cards, which are pulled out one by one fromthe card shooter 22, onto the game table 20, as described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the card guide unit 50 has a card guidesurface 52 that is an inclined plane. One end of the card guide surface52 is connected with an opening 34 of a card outlet of the platform 12.The card guide surface 52 extends forward and downward from the frontthe card outlet, and the other end of the card guide surface isconnected with the game table 20. The card guide surface 52 becomes ameasurement surface for card reading.

Card guide rails 54 are attached to edges on both sides of the cardguide surface 52. As shown in FIG. 2, a card passage gap 56 is formedbetween the card guide rails 54 and the card guide surface 52. The sizeof the card passage gap 56 is set to be slightly larger than thethickness of a card. After a card is pulled out of the card shooter 22,it passes along the card guide surface 52. At this time, both ends ofthe card pass through the card passage gap 56.

Further, the inclination of the card guide surface 50 is changed on theway as shown. The card guide rails 54 are provided in a region beforethe inclination changes, and the card guide rails 54 is slightly longerthan the short sides of a card.

Further, a sensor cover 58 is attached to each of the two card guiderails 54 with screws. As shown in FIG. 4, when the sensor covers 58 aredetached, four sensors are exposed. The four sensors are two black lightsensors 60, an object detecting sensor 62, and a measurement validitydetermining sensor 64, and these sensors are provided in the card guidesurface 52 of the card guide unit 50. In the drawing, the black lightsensors 60 and the measurement validity determining sensor 64 can beseen from sensor cleaning holes 66 and 67 that pass through the cardguide rails 54.

As shown in FIG. 4, the black light sensors 60 (hereinafter referred toas UV sensors 60) are located on the relatively upstream side in thedirection of flow of a card, on the card guide surface 52. Further, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the UV sensors 60 are arranged in the innerspace of the platform 12, are fixed to the ceiling (the other side ofthe card guide surface 52) of the platform with stays, and are exposedthrough the opening of the card guide surface 52.

Each of the UV sensors 60 includes an LED (ultraviolet LED) that emitsultraviolet rays, and a detector. A card is irradiated with ultravioletrays (black light), and a code of the card is detected by the detectors.The code of the number (rank: A, 1 to 10, J, Q, and K) of a card isprinted on the card with ultraviolet ray emission ink that produces acolor when ultraviolet rays strike the card.

The above UV sensors 60 are connected to the control box 14 throughcables. In the control box 14, the number of a card is determined fromoutput signals of the detectors of the UV sensors 60.

Here, as the code the number of a card, for example, a plurality ofquadrangular marks are arrayed on edges of the card. The number of thecard is expressed by the numbers of the marks. The UV sensors 60 outputON signals when the marks are detected. Accordingly, the UV sensors 60on both edges output ON signals of the numbers of the marks. In thecontrol box 14, the ON signals input from the two UV sensors 60 arecounted. Thereby, the two mark numbers detected by the two UV sensors 60are obtained. Also, the control box 14 specifies the number of a cardfrom the numbers of the marks.

In addition, although the numbers of marks and the number of a card maybe the same as each other, they may not be the same as each other. Thenumbers of the marks and the number of a card only need to match eachother one-on-one. In the control box 14, a detected mark number iscompared with a mark number that is registered in advance, and thereby,the number of a card may be specified.

Further, in the baccarat game, “J”, “Q”, and “K” are treated as equal to“10.” Thus, the same code as “10” may be attached to “J”, “Q”, and “K.”Further, in addition to the number of a card, a code representing a suit(spades, hearts, diamonds, and blacks) may be attached to a card, andthis may be read. In this way, the type of codes is not limited if thenumbers of cards required for a game are expressed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the card reader 10includes the UV sensors 60 that detects marks from a card and outputssignals. The above UV sensors 60 output ON signals during passage ofmarks. Marks including a given number are provided on a card, and themarks are provided on the edges of the card, and thereby arrayed in acard pulling direction so that they may pass through the UV sensors 60.Then, the number of the marks is associated with the number of the card,and the control box 14 specifies the card from detection signals of theUV sensors 60.

Further, as described above, in the card reader 10 of the presentembodiment, the two UV sensors 60 are provided as shown in FIGS. 4 and5. Then, as shown in the example of FIG. 13, marks are arrayed on bothedges of a card in correspondence with both the UV sensors 60, and themarks are read by both the UV sensors 60. The marks are suitablyprovided in a region where a picture is not provided as shown. However,actual marks are not usually visible. As described above, in the presentembodiment, marks including a given number are suitably arrayed on eachedge of a card. As for the association between a mark number and a card,the sum of mark numbers may simply be associated with the number of acard. Further, a combination of two rows of mark numbers may beassociated with the number of a card. In the latter form, it is possibleto identify more cards by few marks. In addition, FIG. 13 is justillustrative, and the number of mark rows is not limited to two, but thenumber of rows may be one or three or more. Also, two mark rows aresuitably provided on each of both edges of a card. In this case, thearrangement of the UV sensors is also properly adjusted.

Further, additionally describing the configuration of the control box14, the control box 14 of the card reader 10 includes a counter, amemory (storage means), and a number specifying unit. The counter countsdetection signals from the UV sensors 60, and finds out a mark number.Also, the memory stores information that associates the mark number witha card. The associated information is typically a table. The numberspecifying unit specifies the number of a card from the numbers of markswith reference to the information of the memory.

In the present embodiment, the counter is able to find out two marknumbers corresponding to the two UV sensors 60. As described above, inthe present embodiment, a combination of a plurality of rows of marknumbers may be associated with a card. In this case, a memory storesinformation that associates the combination of the mark numbers with acard. Also, the number specifying unit specifies a card corresponding tothe combination of the card numbers.

Next, the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validitydetermining sensor 64 are fiber sensors that detect the existence ornon-existence of a card. The object detecting sensor 62 is located onthe most upstream side along the flow direction of a card on the cardguide surface 52, and the measurement validity determining sensor 64 islocated on the downstream side of the object detecting sensor 62. Also,as shown in FIG. 6, the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurementvalidity determining sensor 64 are provided on the upstream anddownstream sides of reading points of the UV sensors 60. The objectdetecting sensor 62 and the measurement validity determining sensor 64correspond to a first card detecting sensor and a second card detectingsensor, respectively.

Further, similarly to the UV sensors 60, the object detecting sensor 62and the measurement validity determining sensor 64 are arranged in theinner surface of the platform 12, are fixed to the ceiling o theplatform, and are exposed through the opening of the card guide surface52.

The object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validity determiningsensor 64, as shown in FIG. 2, are connected to the control box 14 bycables via a sensor amplifier 68. The sensor amplifier 68 is of a twochannel type, and is able to independently control the object detectingsensor 62 and the measurement validity determining sensor 64. On thebasis of detection signals of the object detecting sensor 62 and themeasurement validity determining sensor 64, the control box 14, as willbe described below, controls the start and end of reading of the UVsensors 60, and determines whether or not a card has normally passedalong the card guide surface 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a sidesurface of the platform 12 is further provided with a buzzer 70, a pushbutton 72 with a lamp, a reset switch 74, an error lamp 76 (red), amonitor changeover switch 78, and a normal lamp 80 (green). In the pushbutton 72 with a lamp, the lamp is turned on or turned off whenever thebutton is pushed. The reset switch 74 is a switch of a type in which akey inserted into a keyhole is turned, and the monitor changeover switch78 is a lever switch. Further, the upper surface of the platform 12 isprovided with a standard/special mode changeover switch 82. This switch82 is also a switch of a type in which a key inserted into a keyhole isturned. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the back surface of the platform 12is provided with a power switch 84 and a cable connector 86. The abovevarious switches, lamps, buzzer, etc. are connected to the control box14 through cables, and are used for various kinds of processing of thecontrol box 14.

The configuration of the platform 12 has been described hitherto. Asshown in FIG. 1, the card reader 10 is further provided with the monitor16 and the win/lose display box 18.

The monitor 16 is controlled by the control box 14 to display theinformation on reading of a card, and a game. The win/lose display box18 is provided with three lamps, i.e., a player-win lamp 90 (red), adraw lamp 92 (yellow), and a banker-win lamp 94 (green). These lamps arecontrolled by the control box 14, and they are turned on or off in orderto display the win or lose of a game. As shown in this description, thecard reader 10 of the present embodiment is applied to a baccarat game.

Further, the monitor 16 and the win/lose display box 18 are set in aproper location on the game table 20. On the other hand, the control box14 is arranged in a proper location, such as the underside f the gametable 20.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of various components relevant tothe control box 14. The control box 14 is a computer apparatus asearlier mentioned. The control box 14 is connected to the UV sensors 60,object detecting sensor 62, and measurement validity determining sensor64 of the platform 12. Moreover, the control box 14 is connected to thevarious switches and lamps of the platform 12 to control them. Further,the control box 14 is connected to the monitor 16 and three lamps of thewin/lose display box 18 to controls the display of them.

A computer serving as the control box 14 has a processing function toautomatically determine win or lose of a game. This function is realizedby incorporating a program for win/lose determination into the computer,and this program is executed by a processor of the computer.

As determination processing, the computer acquires the numbers of cards,which are sequentially taken out of the card shooter 22 to the gametable 20, using the UV sensors 60. The acquired numbers of the cards aresequentially stored in the memory. At this time, the information on towhich player each card has been distributed is also stored. That is, thenumbers of cards are stored in association with distributiondestinations.

From this point, the card reader 10 of the present embodiment is used ina baccarat game as earlier mentioned. In the baccarat game, two personsincluding a player and a banker exist (here, both are called players).Also, to which player the next card is to be distributed is uniquelydetermined from the number of cards distributed by then, and the numberof each of the cards. The computer determines to which player a cardread by the UV sensors 60 is to be distributed with reference to thenumbers of the cards stored in the memory. Also, the number of thedistributed card is stored in the memory in association with eachplayer.

Moreover, the computer reads the numbers of the cards, which have beendistributed to both players, from the memory, compares the numbers ofthe both players, and determines a win or lose. The numbers of the cardsare summed, both sums are compared, and which player has won isdetermined. A draw is also determined.

As such, concerning the baccarat game, win or lose can be automaticallydetermined only from the numbers of the cards sequentially taken out ofthe card reader 10. To which player a card has been distributed may notbe detected using other sensors, for example, sensors separatelyembedded in the table.

The control box 14 causes a game result to be output to the monitor 16and the win/lose display box 18. Read numbers, a game result, etc. aredisplayed on the monitor 16. Further, in the win/lose display box 18, abanker-win lamp 90, a draw lamp 92, or a player-win lamp 94 are turnedon according to the game result.

Next, the functions of the object detecting sensor 62 and measurementvalidity determining sensor 64 will be described. As already described,the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validity determiningsensor 64 detect the existence or non-existence of a card, and outputdetection signals to the control box 14. In the present embodiment, if acard exists, a signal is turned on, and if a card disappears, a signalis turned off.

First, the detection signal of the object detecting sensor 62 is used tocontrol the start and end of reading of the UV sensors 60. That is, whenthe object detecting sensor 62 detects a card (from OFF to ON), thecontrol box 14 instructs the UV sensors 60 to start reading. In the UVsensors 60, an LED is turned on, and a detector reads code. When theobject detecting sensor 62 stops detecting a card (from ON to OFF, thecontrol box 14 instructs the UV sensors 60 to end reading. In the UVsensors 60, an LED is turned off.

The object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validity determiningsensor 64 are further used to determine whether or not a card hasnormally passed along the card guide surface 52.

The first step of FIG. 9 shows a sensor output when (when a card hasnormally passed along the card guide surface) measurement is normal. Inthis case, a signal is turned on in order of the object detecting sensor62 and the measurement validity determining sensor 64, and then, thesignal is turned off in order of the object detecting sensor 62 and themeasurement validity determining sensor 64. The reading result(measurement result) of the UV sensors 60 is valid (reading isapproved).

However, if passage of a card is normal, but a mark number read by theUV sensors 60 read is abnormal, the control box 14 determines that thecard itself is abnormal. For example, a card is abnormal when there isno mark at both edges of the card. The numbers of marks may beregistered, and be compared with a detected mark number.

The second step of FIG. 9 shows a sensor output when a card slightlycomes out onto a card guide, and slips back. The object detecting sensor62 is turned on, and then, the object detecting sensor 62 is turned off.Since a card has not reached the measurement validity determining sensor64, the measurement validity determining sensor 64 is not turned on. Inthis case, the reading result of the UV sensors 60 is invalidated.

The third step of FIG. 9 shows a sensor output when a card slips backafter the card has reached the measurement validity determining sensor64. A signal is turned on in order of the object detecting sensor 62 andthe measurement validity determining sensor 64, and then, the signal isturned off in order of the measurement validity determining sensor 64and the object detecting sensor 62. Even in this case, the readingresult of the UV sensors 60 is invalidated.

The fourth step of FIG. 9 shows a sensor output when a cut card is takenout. Here, the cut card is a card used in a casino, etc., and isinserted into a deck of cards. Cards following the cut card are not usedfor a game. If this cut card is not disregarded, a read error isgenerated. Then, in order to disregard the cut card, the presentembodiment is configured as follows.

Blue is given to the cut card. The sensitivity of the object detectingsensor 62 is adjusted so as to detect white and a mark color (a colorwhen ultraviolet-ray reaction ink produces a color) as well as a blueobject. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the object detectingsensor 64 is adjusted so as not to detect a blue object but to detect awhite object and an object with a mark color. This is realized bylowering the sensitivity of the measurement validity determining sensor64.

Since such sensitivity setting has been performed, when a cut cardpasses by as shown in the fourth step of FIG. 9, the object detectingsensor 62 is turned on, and then turned off. The measurement validitydetermining sensor 64 does not react. Accordingly, the same sensoroutput as the second step of FIG. 9 is obtained, and accordingly,reading of the UV sensors 60 is invalidated. In this way, passage of acut card can be suitably disregarded.

In addition, although a cut card is blue in the above example, theinvention is not limited thereto. A separate color may be given as longas it can adjust sensor sensitivity so that only a cut card may not bedetected.

FIG. 10 shows examples of the above-mentioned sensor output waves. Whenmeasurement is valid, the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurementvalidity determining sensor 64 are normally turned on and off asdescribed above. Also, the UV sensors 60 are turned on and off duringthe measurement (during “ON” of the object detecting sensor 62), and thenumber of a card is found out from ON/OFF signals of the UV sensors 60.

Since the card slips back in the following pattern, the object detectingsensor 62 is turned off before the measurement validity determiningsensor 64 is turned on. Therefore, the reading result of the UV sensors60 during the measurement is invalidated.

Since the cut card has passed along the card guide surface in thefollowing pattern, only the object detecting sensor 62 is turned on andoff, similarly to the above pattern. The UV sensors 60 do not output anyON signal. Even in this case, the reading result is invalidated.

Since a card on which a code is not printed has passed along the cardguide surface in the following pattern, the object detecting sensor 62and the measurement validity determining sensor 64 are normally turnedon and off, but the UV sensors 60 are kept turned off during themeasurement. In this case, the control box 14 determines that anabnormal card has passed along the card guide surface.

The functions of sensors have been described hitherto in detail. Next,the operation of the card reader 10 of the present embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 11 shows the operation of the card reader 10 when one game isperformed. The power switch 84 is turned on as a precondition of theoperation of FIG. 11. Further, the lever of the monitor changeoverswitch 78 is tilted to a position “before a game,” and the “before agame” is displayed on the monitor 16. Moreover, the key of the resetswitch 74 is turned to the left that is a normal position. Further, thestandard/special mode setting switch 82 is turned to the standard side.

A first card is read in this state (S10). It is determined whether ornot reading (measurement) has been valid (S12) on the basis of theoutput of the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validitydetermining sensor 64. If the answer is NO (invalid) in S12, the processreturns to S10. For example, when a card has slipped back or a cut cardhas passed along the card guide surface, the process returns to S10 fromS12.

If the answer is YES (valid) in S12, it is determined whether or not thecode of the card is normal (S14). For example, if there is no code, theanswer is set to NO in S14. In this case, the error lamp 76 is turnedon, and an alarm sound is emitted from the buzzer 70 (S16). An alarmsound is, for example, a large volume of continuous sound. If a resetswitch 74 is operated, the alarm sound will stop. The reset switch 74 isturned to the right from the left, and slips back to the left.

If the is YES (normal) in S14, the normal lamp 80 is turned on, and asound indicating normality from the buzzer 70 is emitted (S18). Forexample, a short small sound is output.

Next, game processing is performed (S20). Here, as earlier mentioned,the read number of the card is stored for a player or a banker. Then,the number of the card that is stored in advance is compared, it isdetermined whether or not the game is ended, and the win or lose of thegame is determined. If the game is not ended (S22, NO), the processreturns to S10 where the next card is read. If the game is ended (S22,YES), the process will wait for the operation of the monitor changeoverswitch 78 (S24).

Also, if the lever of the monitor changeover switch 78 is tilted to aposition “after a game” (S24, YES), the display of the monitor 16 isswitched to “after a game,” and a win or lose is displayed (S26).Further, even in the win/lose display box 18, a lamp corresponding to agame result is turned on (S28).

If the lever of the monitor changeover switch 78 is tilted to a position“before a game” (S30, YES), the display of the monitor 16 is changed to“before a game,” and the processing is completed. Then, the processproceeds to the next game, and the processing of FIG. 11 is performedagain.

FIG. 12 shows the operation of the card reader 10 when a special mode isset. The special mode is set by the control box 14 when thestandard/special mode changeover switch 82 is turned to “Special.” Thespecial mode is a first card invalid mode in which a card that is firstpulled out in each game is invalidated.

FIG. 12 is different from FIG. 11 in that it is first determined whetheror not any card is first just before S10 (S40). Here, for example, theobject detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validity determiningsensor 64 are turned on in this order, and turned off in this order. Asa result, when a card has passed along the card guide surface, it isdetermined whether or not this card is first. If a card is first, theprocess does not proceed to S10 but returns to S40. If a card is notfirst, the process proceeds to S10. Accordingly, the second andsucceeding cards are read.

Whether or not a card is first is determined, for example, using a flag.That is, when the flag is not raised in the processing of S40, it isdetermined that the card is first, and the flag is raised. Also, if theflag is raised, it will be determined that the card is not first. Theflag is reset after the game is ended.

In addition, in the push button 72 with a lamp in the platform 12, alamp is turned on or turned off whenever the button is pushed. When thebutton 72 is turned off, the card reader 10 reads a card as describedabove. On the other hand, when the button 72 is turned on, the cardreader 10 does not read a card. The button 72 is used, for example, whenreading of the card reader 10 is temporarily suppressed.

The preferred embodiment has been described hitherto. According to thepresent embodiment, the platform 12 is provided between the game table20 and the card shooter 22, and the platform 12 is provided with a cardreading function. Thus, reading of a card is enabled while the existingcard shooter 22 is utilized. Moreover, since the black light sensors 60are used, reading precision is high, and the threshold value of the cardspeed at the time of reading can also be set to a large value, forexample, about 3.6 m/s. In this way, a card reader that is capable ofutilizing an existing card shooter, is high in reading precision, and ishigh in the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading canbe provided. Also, the reading result of a card is suitably helpful toprevention of an illegal act.

Further, in the present embodiment, the card guide 50 has the card guidesurface 52, the edge of the card guide surface 52 is provided with thecard guide rails 54, and the card passage gap 56 is formed between thecard guide surface 52 and the card guide rails 54. Also, the black lightsensors 60 are provided so as to read a card from the card guide surface52 within the card passage gap 56. Accordingly, the influence of outsidelight in a card reading part can be reduced, and reading precision canbe improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the computer of the control box 14functions as a win/lose determining means, the win or lose of a cardgame is automatically determined on the basis of the numbers of cardsthat are sequentially read by the black light sensors, and thedetermined game result is output from the monitor 16 and the win/losedisplay box 18. Thus, an illegal act can be prevented while the progressof a game can be supported.

Further, in the present embodiment, the computer of the control box 14functions as an invalid mode setting means, and a first card invalidmode can be set as described above. Accordingly, even when a rule thatinvalidates the first card is adopted, the card reader 10 can performgame result determination processing adapted to a card game, and canprogress a card game smoothly.

Further, in the present embodiment, first and second card detectingsensors (the object detecting sensor 62 and the measurement validitydetermining sensor 64) are arranged along the guiding direction of thecard guide unit 50, and the computer of the control box 14 functions asa measurement validity/invalidity determining means. Accordingly, thecomputer of the control box 14 can determine whether or not a card hasnormally passed along the card guide unit 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, the computer of the control box 14suitably determines that a card normally passed along the card guideunit, when the first card detecting sensor and the second card detectingsensor detect the card in order, and then, the first card detectingsensor and the second card detecting sensor stop detecting a card inorder.

Further, in the present embodiment, the computer of the control box 14invalidates reading of a card, when the card is detected in order of thefirst card detecting sensor and the second card detecting sensor, andthen, detecting a card is stopped in order of the first card detectingsensor and the second card detecting sensor. Accordingly, when a cardslips back, it is possible to suitably cope with this.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sensitivity of a second carddetecting sensor is set low so as to detect a card for a game and so asnot to detect a cut card. Accordingly, when a cut card is used, it ispossible to suitably cope with this.

Further, in the card reader 10 of the above-described presentembodiment, the black light sensors (UV sensors) detect code elementsincluding a given number from a card which the code elements are arrayedin a card pulling direction as an ultraviolet-ray reaction code, andoutputs a detection signal. Also, the card reader 10 includes a numberspecifying means, and the number specifying means specifies a cardassociated with the numbers of the code elements on the basis of thedetection signals of the black light sensors. In the above embodiment,the code elements are marks printed with ultraviolet-ray reaction ink.Further, the number specifying means is the computer of the control box.

Further, an ultraviolet-ray reaction code may have plural rows of thecode elements like the above example. A card may be specified by acombination of the numbers of the plural rows of code elements. In thiscase, a card is specified from the plural rows of code elementsincluding given numbers. Accordingly, even in this case, the codeelements including given numbers are read. Also, the number specifyingunit specifies the number of a card associated with the numbers of thecode elements.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the numbers of the codeelements are associated with at least the number of a card. The numbersof the code elements may be associated with the type (spade, heart,etc.) of a card, in addition to the number of the card. Moreover, thenumbers of the code elements may be associated with other information.

According to the present embodiment, since the black light sensors areprovided, the code elements are detected by the black light sensors, anda card is specified from the numbers of the code elements, the card canbe detected with high precision.

Here, the advantages of the present embodiment will be described in moredetail by contrast with a conventional technique.

The conventional technique uses a visible light camera. When the visiblelight camera is used, an existing conventional picture must be used fora card. The code elements like the present embodiment cannot be used forthe following reason. That is, since only a photographic subject ofvisible light can be read when a camera is used, the code elementsshould also be printed with visible light ink. However, adding codeelements onto a card separately from the conventional existing pictureis not allowed in appearance. Accordingly, when the visible light camerais used, the code elements like the present embodiment cannot be used.On the other hand, the black light sensors are used in the presentembodiment. Accordingly, the code elements just need to react toultraviolet rays. That is, the code elements may not ordinarily be aphotographic subject of visible light. As such, in the presentembodiment, the black light sensors are provided so that the codeelements can be utilized as objects to be read other than a conventionalpicture of a card.

Further, since the visible light camera is conventionally used, theconventional card picture must be used as described above. Therefore,the precision of reading is low, and the threshold value of the cardspeed at the time of reading is also low. On the other hand, in thepresent embodiment, the black light sensors detect code elements. Also,a card is specified from the numbers of the code elements. The codeelements are, for example, marks. The numbers of the marks just needs tobe counted, not the image processing of a picture. Such counting can beperformed with high precision. Also, even if the card speed isincreased, the counting of the mark numbers can be performed with highprecision.

Further, the present embodiment is also different from a bar codereader. In the bar code reader, the thickness of a line is an object tobe read. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the thickness ofa line is not detected, but marks are simply detected, and a card isspecified from the numbers of the marks. Accordingly, even if thepresent embodiment is compared with the bar code reader, reading isprecise, and the threshold value of the card speed at the time ofreading increases.

As such, in the present embodiment, (1) black light sensors areprovided, whereby objects to be read become code elements other than theconventional picture, and (2) unlike the conventional image processingof a picture, code elements are detected, and a card is specified fromthe numbers of the code elements. By virtue of these factors, precisionof reading can be improved compared with the conventional technique, andthe threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can also bemade high.

As an additional advantage, according to the present embodiment, codeelements are suitably given to all the cards. Accordingly, it can beunderstood that, when any code elements are not detected, a card isabnormal. This is suitably helpful to prevention of an illegal act.

Further, as an additional advantage, according to the presentembodiment, the black light sensors can be used to miniaturize anapparatus compared with a configuration provided with the conventionalvisible light camera.

Further, in the card reader 10 of the present embodiment, the platform12, the control box 14, the monitor 16, and the win/lose display box 18are separately provided. As a modified example, some or all of them maybe integrated. For example, the control box 14 may be built in theplatform 12.

Further, since the card reader 10 of the present embodiment can be usedfor checking of a card for illegal act prevention, etc., it can becalled a card checking apparatus. Also, since the card reader is usedalong with a shoe (shooter), it can also be called a shoe-type checkingapparatus. Also, reading of a code in the above embodiment can also becalled measurement for checking. Accordingly, the UV sensors 60 may becalled code reading sensors, and may be called measuring sensors.

In another modified example, the card reader 10 of the presentembodiment is integrated with a card shooter. In this case, an advantagethat an existing card shooter can be utilized is no longer obtained.However, an advantage that reading precision can be improved isobtained, and an advantage that the threshold value of the card speed atthe time of reading is raised is obtained.

FIG. 14 shows an integrated configuration. A card shooter apparatus 200includes a housing 202. The housing 202 corresponds to the configurationin which the housing of the shooter and the housing of the platform inthe above-described embodiment are integrated together. The housing 202is provided with a card shooter unit 204. The card shooter unit 204includes various components of the above-described card shooter.

The housing 202 is further provided with a card reading unit 206, acontrol unit 208, a first display unit 210, and a second display unit212. The card reading unit 206 is composed of a card guide unit 214 anda sensor unit 216.

The card guide unit 214 has the same function as the card guide unit inthe above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, thecard guide unit is provided in the platform. In this configuration, thecard guide unit 214 is provided in the housing 202. The card guide unit214 may be connected with a card outlet of the card shooter unit 204,and may be integrated with the outlet.

The sensor unit 216 is composed of the sensors of the above-describedembodiment. That is, the sensor unit 216 has a black light sensor 2161,an object detecting sensor 2161, a measurement validity determiningsensor 2163, and related components. In the above-described embodiment,the sensors are built in the platform. In this configuration, the sensorunit 216 is built in the housing 202. Also, the sensor unit 216 islocated in the place where the card guide unit 206 exists.

The control unit 208 is a control device corresponding to the controlbox of the above-described embodiment. In the above-describedembodiment, the control box is arranged separately from the platform. Inthis configuration, the control unit 208 is built in the housing 202.

The first display unit 210 is the monitor of the above-describedembodiment. The second display unit 212 corresponds to the three lampsof the win/lose display box in the above-described embodiment. In theabove-described embodiment, the monitor and the lamps are disposed onthe table apart from the platform. In this configuration, the monitor ofthe first display unit 210 is provided on a side surface of the housing202. Further, the second display unit 212 is provided at a rear end ofan upper surface of the housing 202.

Similarly to the above-described embodiment, in the card shooterapparatus 200, a card is read, read data is processed, and a processingresult is displayed.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described hitherto.However, it is natural that the invention is not limited to theabove-described embodiment, but persons skilled in the art can alter theabove-described embodiment within the scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention can improve the reading precision of the code of a card,and is useful in prevention of an illegal act.

1. A card shooter apparatus comprising: a card shooter unit including acard housing for containing a plurality of cards; a card reading unithaving a card guide unit which guides cards pulled out one by one fromthe card shooter unit and reads at least the number of the card pulledout from the card shooter; a control unit that determines the result ofa card game based on information about the numbers of the cardssequentially read by the card reading unit; and a display unit whichindicates the result determined by the control unit.
 2. The card shooterapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit invalidates areading of a card from the card reading unit when the card being takenfrom the card shooter unit is not properly read by the card readingunit.
 3. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit disregards a cut card that is taken from the card shooterunit, the cut card not being used for a game.
 4. The card shooterapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an invalid modesetting means that sets a first card invalid mode in which the readingof the first card that is pulled out of the card shooter unit in eachgame is invalidated.
 5. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: first and second card detecting sensors that arearranged along a guiding direction of the card guide unit to detect theexistence or non-existence of a card.
 6. The card shooter apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines whether or nota card has normally passed along the card guide surface of the cardguide unit on the basis of detection signals from the first and secondcard detecting sensors.
 7. The card shooter apparatus according to claim5, wherein the reading of a card from the card reading unit isinvalidated on the basis of detection signals from the first and secondcard detecting sensors when the card being taken from the card shooterunit slips back toward the card shooter unit.
 8. The card shooterapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determineswhether or not a code indicating at least the number of a card read bythe card reading unit is normal.
 9. The card shooter apparatus accordingto claim 8, further comprising: means of emitting an alarm sound whenthe code of the card is not normal.
 10. The card shooter apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the card shooter unit, the card readingunit, the control unit and the display unit are able to be set on thegame table.
 11. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe display unit includes a first display unit which is provided on anupper part of the housing and a second display unit which is provided ona side part of the housing.
 12. The card shooter apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the card guide unit includes one or more black lightsensors that read an ultraviolet-ray reaction code from a card guided bythe card guide unit, the ultraviolet-ray reaction code indicating cardinformation of the card.
 13. The card shooter apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a number specifying means that specifies thenumber of a card.
 14. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the card shooter unit, the card reading unit and the controlunit are integrated.
 15. A card shooter apparatus comprising: a cardshooter unit including a card housing for containing a plurality ofcards; and a card reading unit having a card guide unit which guidescards pulled out one by one from the card shooter unit onto the gametable and reads the number of the card pulled out from the card shooter.16. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 15, furthercomprising: a measurement validity determining sensor which invalidatesa reading of a card from the card reading unit when a card being takenfrom the card shooter unit is not properly read by the card readingunit.
 17. The card shooter apparatus according to claim 15, wherein thecard shooter unit and the card reading unit are integrated.
 18. A cardshooter apparatus comprising: a card shooter unit including a cardhousing for containing a plurality of cards; a card reading unit havinga card guide unit which guides cards pulled out one by one from the cardshooter unit and reads card information of the card pulled out from thecard shooter; a control unit that determines the result of a card gamebased on the card information from the cards sequentially read by thecard reading unit; and a display unit which indicates the resultdetermined by the control unit.
 19. The card shooter apparatus accordingto claim 18, wherein the card shooter unit, the card reading unit andthe control unit are integrated.